One of my favorite aspects of Twitter is just how many amazing illustrations I stumble upon there. It’s how I discovered the lovely and colorful work of Alice Rebecca Potter, a designer and illustrator from London, England. Her simple lines and bold shapes make for a unique style all her own. Alice says of her work, “Big colours, strong shapes, and unforgiving lines continuously creep into my work. Lately that includes people, maps, and architecture, but I like to draw the natural world just as much.”
Alice was sweet enough to take some time and answer a few questions about her style and process. Thanks for the great interview, Alice!
Hi Alice! For those who aren’t familiar with your work, describe your style of illustration in one word.
Colourful!
You went to school for Textile Design. What came first? Textile Design or Illustration?
Textiles came first, I suppose, because my mum was a textile designer in the 70s, so I was very aware of it. To be honest I didn’t really know much at all about illustration until a tutor suggested in my second year that maybe I should have done an illustration degree.
You’ve had a chance to work on some fun projects. What was your favorite?
Yes, 2012 has definitely been kind to me. If I had to pick a favourite then it would be the recent Ted Baker project. I liked the freedom of the project, and also getting the chance to meet some of the other illustrators involved on a mass print signing day.
Tell us a little about your process. Where do you get your ideas and how do translate them into a beautiful finished product?
When I am working on a project I tend to a little bit of collage or sketch in a sketchbook, which I then translate onto either Illustrator or Photoshop. I tend to build shapes and layers up, and then I play around a lot with colour until I am happy. Lastly, I consider texture and whether it is needed or not.
I love the colors you use in your artwork. What is your favorite color or color scheme?
Thank you! I love colour too, and it has taken a long time for me to learn how to use it. I love using similar groups of colours in my work, for example, red on pink, and blues and greens. I think you will see a lot of these shades in my work.
And finally, what fuels your illustration?
Eating well, and being healthy and full of energy. It’s the only way I get anything done!
Find more of Alice Potter and her work here: